Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in New York City and lived in several places across the country before settling in northern California thirty years ago to raise my children and teach elementary school. I married my second husband and started writing screenplays. I turned to novel writing and published my first book in 2015 to be followed by six more. I am presently working on my eighth novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
DREAMer is the story of a twelve-year-old girl who escaped over the border from Mexico. I taught in a low economic neighborhood and many of my students were immigrants, both documented and undocumented. I based my book on my students’ stories and to make a statement about the present border situation.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in a cafe although I have a lovely studio and office at home where I could work. But I am not a solitary person like many writers and I enjoy the bustle and camaraderie. I also get many ideas from the people I meet and talk to there. Although I have a basic idea of what I want to write, I do not outline or make a structured plan. I just sit and write and everything falls into place.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Frank McCourt and Carson McCullers are my biggest influencers.
What are you working on now?
I am unsure about the title but I am working with “In Limbo” now. It follows Luther, a character from my book “The Last Resort,” who was in prison for twenty years for a crime he did not commit. I have Luther accused of another crime and running to New York City where he hooks up with another of my old characters, Finn, the protagonist in “Venice Beach.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think it’s a culmination of things. I’ve been using almost every way possible for an independent author to promote their books. My website, social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube), pitching book reviewers, and pitching media outlets.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write often and from your heart – you can edit later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
What are you reading now?
James Patterson “1st Case”
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing novels.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Probably mine would be the ones I’d take.
Author Websites and Profiles
Emily Gallo Website
Emily Gallo Amazon Profile
Emily Gallo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account
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